Compass Balloons
Compass Balloons
4.5
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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About
Compass Balloons offers hot air balloon tours in sunny San Diego, and the scenic Temecula wine valley. During your flight you will see all the area has to offer from the coastlines of San Diego to the grape vines of the Temecula wine valley. Whichever flight you choose you will experience the joy of flight in its first form, as you calmly drift across the open skies.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
97 reviews
Excellent
85
Very good
5
Average
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Terrible
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Brett H
1 contribution
Jun 2021
My wife and I had an awesome sunrise flight with Compass Balloons over the vineyards of Temecula to celebrate our 31st Anniversary! Sure we had to wake up early but watching the sun come up over the mountains then peek through the clouds was priceless. Even though it was our first balloon flight, we could tell that our pilot Josh and crew chief Noah are very experienced by the way they methodically unloaded, spread then filled up the balloon on the ground. Setup was a great show, but the flight was spectacular with expansive views of vineyards, Lake Skinner, sunrise and surrounding mountains. After a soft landing, we enjoyed mimosas, juice and pastries while Josh and Noah packed up the gear. Balloon companies with Groupon deals are overrated since NONE of them had availability for us on our anniversary date. We wanted a flight ON our special day – we got that and way more than our monies worth with Compass Balloons. They also fly sunset flights from Del Mar (in case you aren’t an early riser) so that will be our next adventure with Compass Balloons! A 5-star+ experience for sure – Thanks Compass!
Written June 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Little Rhody
21 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
First of all the crew were wonderful they were helpful, patient and kind. Compass Balloons also accommodated A change in reservation. Also, communicated a change in meeting spot before event.
I was not happy with the other party that booked the shared sunrise ballon ride. We were kept waiting for over 20 minutes in the van that provided the transportation to the launch site. Perhaps when a party is running late, they could be given directions to the launch site so the on-time party it’s not kept waiting. Which could expedite the process to launch.
We did not see the sunrise, and the in the air time was a few minutes under one hour. Also the champagne toast and pastries we’re done at the end of the flight.
Presentation was lacking, the table used was warped and the pastries were individually wrapped and broken up. I Purchased a commemorative T-shirt it was not forthcoming. When I reminded crew as to where it could be they said it might be in one of the vans. It was found in a bin with other shirts and I was to rummage through to pick one. Perhaps in the future it could be presented to the guest without them asking and individually wrapped.
While I do not regret booking this event, I feel as though other issues could be smoothed out a bit to make it more enjoyable for guests.
I was not happy with the other party that booked the shared sunrise ballon ride. We were kept waiting for over 20 minutes in the van that provided the transportation to the launch site. Perhaps when a party is running late, they could be given directions to the launch site so the on-time party it’s not kept waiting. Which could expedite the process to launch.
We did not see the sunrise, and the in the air time was a few minutes under one hour. Also the champagne toast and pastries we’re done at the end of the flight.
Presentation was lacking, the table used was warped and the pastries were individually wrapped and broken up. I Purchased a commemorative T-shirt it was not forthcoming. When I reminded crew as to where it could be they said it might be in one of the vans. It was found in a bin with other shirts and I was to rummage through to pick one. Perhaps in the future it could be presented to the guest without them asking and individually wrapped.
While I do not regret booking this event, I feel as though other issues could be smoothed out a bit to make it more enjoyable for guests.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan P
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Family
I chartered a private balloon for my wife's 40th birthday and it was worth every penny. Ryan (the pilot) and his crew were great and made us feel safe and comfortable throughout the entire process. We took off out of the Del Mar area for a sunset ride and it was so amazing to see the coast and inland valleys from a birds eye view. The ride was so smooth and quiet and made for an amazing birthday experience for my wife. I highly recommend this experience even for people afraid of heights, as you really feel safe throughout the whole ride and you almost forget how high you are up in the air shortly after take off. Thank you Ryan and Compass for making that experience we will never forget.
Written June 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin C
Los Angeles, CA33 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
Terrible customer service and showed no empathy when I had to be taken to the ER the morning of our flight. We called to tell them what was going on and they told us there was no exceptions and that we could only reschedule. We told them okay we will call back to reschedule once I was okay. When we called back they told us that there would be a $100 rescheduling fee per person, so essentially you would have to repay for the flight. We asked them what expenses they incurred from our original booking that made it so they could not have a little empathy and make a minor exception due to something that was outside of our control but they gave no reason other than it was an extremely busy weekend for them so they could’ve booked someone else. I understand they are running a business but they need to be aware that there business is dependent on people. So please everyone be aware that at the end of the day you are just a dollar to them and they do not care for their customers.
Written March 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul-ORD-SAN
Chicago, Illinois21 contributions
Mar 2022
4 of us flew with Compass Balloons early yesterday morning for the Temecula Sunrise. It was a great experience. We received this as a gift certificate, and they made it super easy to book and change the number of fliers leading up to our day. The meeting spot instructions were clear and very easy to find. The basket was roomy - getting in and out was a hoot! Our pilot Ryan, was extremely knowledgeable about the area, pointing out every lake, peak, preserve, vineyard....even individual houses of interest! Hi Grandma! We were all surprised by how quiet it was, how smooth the ride was, and how different it was from what we expected. The champagne toast at the landing site was a nice diversion as we watched our beautiful balloon being packed away by the hard-working crew. Ryan gave a great history of ballooning, too. We will definitely be back to ride with this outstanding company. We are looking forward to booking a DelMar Sunset!
Written March 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer H
Cape May Court House, NJ3 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Incredible views and seamless booking, with huge contrast between Compass and competition. Our day was a little cloudy, and our pilot Ash proved the value of experience and a well-run company. He got us in the air for a wonderful ride, sailing above fields of other balloons that never got off the ground, and lots of disappointed customers who got up at 4am only to have their flights cancelled after arrival. Ash was exceptionally engaging and knowledgeable, added to an incredibly memorable trip. I worried about motion sickness and fear of heights... neither were even remotely of concern, it feels incredibly safe and tranquil in the air. Private is worth the investment. Enjoy the ride!
Written September 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ckruger
43 contributions
Nov 2021
After two attempts to go up in a hot air balloon the third time was the charm.
The weather was perfect, our flight took us over Rancho Santa Fe as we watched the sun set on the Pacific Ocean.
Our pilot was very professional but friendly. The crews work very hard to get your balloon launched and then come get you when it's time to land.
All in all glad we didn't give up and made the third attempt. Well worth it.
The weather was perfect, our flight took us over Rancho Santa Fe as we watched the sun set on the Pacific Ocean.
Our pilot was very professional but friendly. The crews work very hard to get your balloon launched and then come get you when it's time to land.
All in all glad we didn't give up and made the third attempt. Well worth it.
Written November 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Becky S
13 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
The sunset tour over Del Mar was incredible! No matter that it was too cloudy to see the sunset. So fun to see the balloon blow up and watch as the crew sent regular balloons up to check the wind conditions. They almost cancelled due to weather conditions.
Piloting a hot air balloon is very tricky business. Taking off in a basket is thrilling. Soaring at various elevations over the beautiful estates of Del Mar is breathtaking and interesting. But the landing is the most exciting! It’s different every time. Because it was windy we missed the dirt road and weed whacked up a hill a bit. We stayed in the basket while the crew pull us to the road.
This is not boring. You must try the exhilarating experience and sense of freedom floating in a hot air balloon. Like sky diving but slower!
We plan to do it again! My husband is 66 and felt like a 10 year old.
The crew was top notch in every way. They poured champagne freely and had soda and water too. They are the last ones doing the sunset on the coast. Morning is much easier due to better winds and therefore cheaper. Try the sunset while you can!
Piloting a hot air balloon is very tricky business. Taking off in a basket is thrilling. Soaring at various elevations over the beautiful estates of Del Mar is breathtaking and interesting. But the landing is the most exciting! It’s different every time. Because it was windy we missed the dirt road and weed whacked up a hill a bit. We stayed in the basket while the crew pull us to the road.
This is not boring. You must try the exhilarating experience and sense of freedom floating in a hot air balloon. Like sky diving but slower!
We plan to do it again! My husband is 66 and felt like a 10 year old.
The crew was top notch in every way. They poured champagne freely and had soda and water too. They are the last ones doing the sunset on the coast. Morning is much easier due to better winds and therefore cheaper. Try the sunset while you can!
Written May 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill W
Totnes, UK24 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Our first balloon ride… very smooth and peaceful and so quiet when we were aloft. We went up about 3,000 ft at the highest point and were up just over an hour, including watching the sun just starting to set. All felt very safe and secure. Highly recommend… 👍👍👍
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vg818
Los Angeles, CA3 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
These guys were fantastic. The entire crew were extremely nice and hard working. The trip up in the air was about an hour, and the views were amazing. It's not something you get to do often or anywhere, i highly recommend you try it with these guys.
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca
Ooltewah, Tennessee
We want to book a sunset tour on December 31, but our flight departs from San Diego is 8:12 pm. If we book the tour, will that be possible for us to catch our flight?
Written December 17, 2020
Airborne for about 90 minutes I think, but setup and take down was cool to watch and amazing how such a large balloon packs up into so small a package
Written June 19, 2021
How many people will be there in a shared basket app ?
Written October 24, 2017
Various basket sizes depending on how many passengers. ours was probably smallest at about 6'x6' for 2 couples plus pilot so travel light. Not enough room for suitcase, folding chair, backpack or sleeping bag but all you need is a phone or camera.
Written June 19, 2021
Are non-ballooning family members allowed to come along to departure and landing sites to watch, take pictures, etc,?
Written August 21, 2017
Yes but they need to bring their own vehicle to follow. Depending on the wind the balloons take off in different fields. Everyone meets at a Park n Ride and then board into vans before departing to the launch field. The vans usually fill up with booked passengers.
Written September 26, 2019
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